This is not merely a book of mindfulness exercises; it’s a guide that helps us rewire our brains for increased happiness and overall well-being. I highly recommend Just One Thing to anyone who’s felt overwhelmed by disempowering, negative thoughts.

The Giveaway

To enter to win 1 of 2 free copies of Just One Thing:

Leave a comment below.

If you don’t have a Twitter account, you can still enter by completing the first step. You can enter until midnight PST on Sunday, December 11th.

The Interview

1. Your work is based on the idea that meditation and mindfulness can change the brain. Can you expand on this?

Actually, I’d put this a little more broadly: my work—and that of many other scholars and clinicians—is grounded in the general fact of “experience-dependent neuroplasticity,” which is the capacity of mental activity to change neural structure.

For example, researchers studied cab drivers who must memorize London’s spaghetti snarl of streets, and at the end of their training their hippocampus—a part of the brain that makes visual-spatial memories—had become thicker: much like exercise, they worked a particular “muscle” in their brain, which built new connections among its neurons.

Similarly, another study found that long-term mindfulness meditators had thicker cortex in parts of the brain that control attention and tune into one’s body.

In the saying from the work of the Canadian psychologist, Donald Hebb: “neurons that fire together, wire together.”

Fleeting thoughts and feelings leave lasting traces in neural structure. Whatever we stimulate in the brain tends to grow stronger over time.

A traditional saying is that the mind takes the shape it rests upon. The modern update would be that the brain takes its shape from whatever the mind rests upon—for better or worse. The brain is continually changing its structure. The only questions are: Who is doing the changing: oneself or other forces? And are these changes for the better?

In this larger context, my focus is on how to apply these new scientific findings: how to use the mind to change the brain to change the mind for the better—for psychological healing, personal growth, and (if it’s of interest) deepening spiritual practice. I’m especially interested in:

• How the brain has been shaped by evolution, giving us problematic tendencies toward greed, hatred, heartache, and delusion (using traditional terms) as well as wonderful capacities for happiness, peace, love, and wisdom. For example, we have a brain that makes us very vulnerable to feeling anxious, helpless, possessive, fixated on short-term rewards, angry, and aggressive. These qualities helped our ancestors survive and pass on their genes, but today they lead to much unnecessary suffering and conflict on both personal and global scales.

• “Neurologizing” the deep Buddhist analysis of the mind: what is going on inside the brain when a person is caught in the craving that leads to suffering? Alternately, what is happening in the brain when a person is experiencing equanimity, lovingkindness, meditative absorption, or liberating insight?

• Using neurologically-informed methods to help overcome our ancient inclinations to fear, dehumanize, exploit, and attack “them” so that 7 billion of us can live in peace with each other on our fragile planet.

In sum, this brain stuff can sound exotic or esoteric, but in essence the approach is simple: find the neural processes that underlie negative mental factors, and reduce them; meanwhile, find the neural processes that underlie positive mental factors, and increase them. Less bad and more good—based on neuroscience and Western psychology, and informed by contemplative wisdom.

Of course, much is not yet known about the brain, so this approach is necessarily an exploration. But if we remain modest about what we don’t know, there are still many plausible connections between the mind and the brain, and many opportunities for skillful intervention for ourselves, for our children and others we care for, and for humankind as a whole.

2. Can anyone develop a “buddha brain,” even people struggling with mental illness or depression?

Definitely!

First, a “buddha brain” is simply one that knows how to be truly happy in the face of life’s inescapable ups and downs. (I don’t capitalize the word “buddha” here to focus on the original nature of the word—which is “to know, to see clearly”—to distinguish my general meaning from the specific historical individual known as The Buddha.)

The possibility of this kind of brain is inherent in the human brain that we all share; any human brain can become a buddha brain. Therefore, a buddha brain is for everyone, whatever their religious orientation (including none at all).

Second, we all must begin the path wherever we are—whether that’s everyday stress and frustration, mental illness, anxiety, sorrow and loss, or depression. In any moment when we step back from our experience and hold it in mindful awareness, or when we begin to let go of negative feelings and factors, or when we gradually turn toward and cultivate positive feelings and factors…then we are taking a step toward developing a buddha brain.

Each small step matters. It was usually lots of small steps that took a person to a bad place, and it will be lots of small steps that take him or her to a better one.

Third, mental anguish or dysfunction can help us grow. They teach us a lot about how the mind works, they can deepen compassion for the troubles and sorrows of others, and, frankly, they can be very motivating.

Personally, the times in my life when I have been most intent on taking my own steps toward a buddha brain have been either when I was really feeling blue—and needed to figure out how to get out of the hole I was in—or when I was feeling really good, and could still sense that there had to be more to life than this, and more profound possibilities for awakening.

3. I recently quoted you in a short post about negativity bias. You wrote, “The brain is like Velcro for negative experiences and Teflon for positives ones.” Can you explain this in more detail?

As the brain evolved, it was critically important to learn from negative experiences—if one survived them! “Once burned, twice shy.” So the brain has specialized circuits that register negative experiences immediately in emotional memory.

On the other hand, positive experiences—unless they are very novel or intense—have standard issue memory systems, and these require that something be held in awareness for many seconds in a row to transfer from short-term memory buffers to long-term storage.

Since we rarely do this, most positive experiences flow through the brain like water through a sieve, while negative ones are caught every time. Thus my metaphor of Velcro and Teflon—an example of what scientists call the “negativity bias” of the brain.

The effects include: a growing sensitivity to stress, upset, and other negative experiences; a tendency toward pessimism, regret, and resentment; and a long shadows cast by old pain.

4. What is one practice we can adopt in our everyday lives to overcome our negativity bias?

Several times a day, take in the good by really savoring a positive experience for 10-20 seconds or more. (For free, you can see lots more about this method at my website, www.RickHanson.net, and the second chapter of Just One Thing is about this.)

Over time, much as repeated negative experiences make the brain more sensitive to them, I believe that repeatedly savoring positive experiences can train your brain to internalize them increasingly rapidly—in effect, making your brain like Velcro for the positive and Teflon for the negative.

5. What is one of the most effective practices for instant stress relief?

How about not one, but three:

• Activate the parasympathetic wing of your nervous system by taking several long exhalations, at least twice as long as your inhalation.

•Notice that you are actually basically alright right now. Not perfect, but basically OK.

• Bring to mind the felt sense of being with someone who loves you.

6. You say that the brain has powerful, natural capacities toward intimacy. What, then, do you believe causes some of us to isolate ourselves or feel alone?

Many reasons. Sometimes the longing for closeness led to pain in the past, or we saw this happen to others, or we simply worried that it could happen to us.

The trick now is to risk the dreaded experiences related to intimacy in thoughtful, appropriate ways that are likely to succeed. Then, when things go well (as they usually do), really take in the good of this experience, to help your brain gradually learn that it is OK to get closer to others.

7. You’ve said that love and compassion can combat anxiety. How do they do that—and how can we access those feelings more readily, particularly when we feel threatened?

“Off-line,” when you do not feel threatened, deepen the sense of feeling connected by routinely taking in experiences of feeling cared about. Then, at times you do feel threatened or anxious, call up the body sense of feeling cared about. Stay strong with this, being a good friend to yourself, helping your mind stay focused on the sense of having allies, being part of a group, feeling included, liked, and loved.

8. If someone was to adopt just one of daily practice to foster a buddha brain which would you recommend?

Taking in the good. I’ve been doing practices for 35 years (I’ve had a lot to practice with!), and this is my all-time favorite practice. I use it every day.

FTC Disclosure: I receive complimentary books for reviews and interviews on tinybuddha.com, but I am not compensated for writing or obligated to write anything specific. I am an Amazon affiliate, meaning I earn a percentage of all books purchased through the links I provide on this site.

See a typo, an inaccuracy, or something offensive? Please contact us so we can fix it!

Love the idea of a “Buddha brain”. I’m going to add “taking in the good” to my daily practice starting today. Thanks for the opportunity to learn of this book and the great suggestions in this post.

http://twitter.com/SmittnbyBritain SmittenbyBritain

I’m just finishing Buddha’s Brain and I would love to have this new book. I’ve been a subcriber for a year now and have always enjoyed your updates. Cheers!

Kriston

I will definitely be adding this book to my Christmas wish list. I’ve always liked the idea of connecting science with spirituality, and it seems as though this book addresses that very well. At the moment, I am in a very academic environment where the majority of my peers see things in a very rational mindset, often with “all or nothing thinking”, i.e. something either is, or it isn’t. In this case, I’m often thought of as the most irrational of my friends purely because I’m a more spiritual person. I think it’s important to dispel this myth that you are either irrational or rational in fact, spirituality and science can compliment each other perfectly.

Tara7909

Love this! I’ve been going through a difficult time in my life the past week and Tiny Buddha has helped me so much. Thank you for all that you do!

Christine

This books looks like a must have! Rick Hanson has added so much to teh understandning of the real biologial/neurological benefits of a mindfulness practice.

Melissa

I’m wondering if my library has this book in circulation, I need to read this! Besides, I’m running out of Eckhart Tolle options Ha!

Kate

I love his point about Buddha vs buddha and how this kind of thinking is accessible for all of us regardless of spiritual orientation. Thanks for sharing it with us!

Jaxman19

Recently put on kidney transplant list….having a difficult time enjoying the now and not worrying about my future.
I find the tiny Buddha taps into my moods and helps me on many occasions.
Would certainly prophet by any available readings.
Suzanne

http://www.bendyogatherapy.com Uma Kleppinger

How auspicious that so many in the field of neuroscience and meditation are sharing their wisdom with us! This time in our history is one of the most fragmented and dischordant, and yet there are Buddhas coming out of the woodwork to remind us that we can all have Buddha’s Brain. Rick Hansen is a great author to boot! Excellent choice for a giveaway!

WOW! I will use this quote as a daily affirmation to remind myself that I need meditation every day. Very interesting interview, thanks for sharing it with us!

Much love,
Lindsay

Techmoddly

We all hit hard times and books such as this provide great insight to the mental power we can hold over our lives when participating in daily reflections and positivity. Kudos.

Jme K Lewis

This book sounds amazing! Consider me entered. And thanks for the great interview!

Kerrywood208

savour the good!

Heyckbear

This sounds like something that could help me now as I go through some really hard times. I feel like I’m in a nightmare and can’t wake up.

http://twitter.com/SandyGram SandyGram

Love Hansen’s Velcro and Teflon metaphor! Can’t wait to read this book and work on my Buddha brain.

Shanda Kinkade

Sounds like a great book. I would love to win a copy.

artofprana

I would love to read this book!

Sam VanBibber

Daily Budda has helped me get through breast cancer treatment and the disease itself. I want more…I want to learn more….I hope I win. Thanks for all your tiny wisdom you have given to me…Sam VanBibber

Sam Vanbibber

It helped me get through the death of my husband that I caretaked after a TBI for for 8 years and then I was diagnosed with breast cancer less than a year after that…I read and tried to live the wisdom of the Tiny Budda every time I got an email….I reposted quotes on FB and lived them to the best of my way…that I could apply to my life. I would type them up and print them out and post them all over my house…reminders…how to live my life, how to get through the crap… Great help, common sense that we were taught as children, at least some of us, that we forget…and not everything that I learned as a child…a lot of new ways to deal with life’s daily crap….yup, I said crap!!!

Conrobi

After 26 yrs. of trying to quit smoking, I finally quit 2 1/2 yrs. ago after I was shown how the nicotine changed triggers in my brain. This seems to go along the same lines. I would love to win it.

thisenvy

Meditation & mindfulness are 2 things I really want to work on from this point forward. Sounds like a great read! thisenvy at gmail

Grosefamily

I would really enjoy winning a copy of the book!

http://www.facebook.com/crissimancini Christina Mancini

It sounds like a wonderful book to give away. I have the book titled “buddha’s brain” but not this book. It was my bday a couple of days ago so maybe I’ll win and get one more present

Nadine

ahh! i love it! def would love the chance to win this book again..tiny buddha is my sanity!

http://twitter.com/RYreegs Ryan Regan

tiny buddha i need wisdom!

http://twitter.com/Rightsideup77 Mandy

I want to develop a Buddha Brain! Please enter me in the contest – thanks!!

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000202337086 Angela Roehrig

I would love this book!

Dominic

This looks like a fantastic read. I’m always interested in bettering myself, and in a time of high stress like right now (working and school full-time), I think now is when I need it most!

Kelledjoe

At a place/time in my life that I need some calming peace. Stressed at all of the family issues going on that my blood pressure is on the high side. Thank you Kelle

Imacajn

Awesome!! Definitely help me with situations I have at work!!

Ketchams

Soooo need a buddha brain!!! Could use some training in how to achieve it

http://twitter.com/SuperfanClark Clark Pulliam

I need to develop my mind into a buddhist mind and this book looks like it can help me do just that

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1533571307 Laura Craddock

I would absolutely love a copy of this book- please include me in the drawing. Thank you!

Mia

This sounds like an incredible book! Love to win a copy!

http://www.facebook.com/people/Ashlee-Gray/565708024 Ashlee Gray

I would love to win a copy of this book. Thank you for including me in the drawing.

vebeus

I would of course love this book, but if it goes to someone else that’s fine, I won’t get upset. I will just accept it as the course of things and wish the winner happiness

Yogalover13

one of many indicators that the scientific community is recognizing quantifiable connections between meditation and quality of life.

http://twitter.com/hermanobrother Gaston Garcia

I want it. I do?

Farida_riaz

I could certainly do with giving this book a read x

kitts

Sounds good. Thanks for the chance to win this.

Naughn

Loved his last book – looking forward to reading his new one!

Blueyedgirl

This book sounds like just what the proverbial doctor ordered for me, as someone who struggles with both genetically pre-disposed anxiety and depressive disorders, as well as a recent several year streak of bad luck with health issues, financial difficulties, and other challenges that a change in perspective, or a “buddha brain” could really help in terms of coping.

Anonymous

I LOVE, love, love the brain — and the whole concept of mindful awareness and REALLY showing up as active and CONSCIOUS participants in our lives. It is truly a life-changer for so many better things to come when you learn how and CHOOSE to live this way! I know it has changed my life and I now teach it to and experience it with others as they learn and practice. I know I would love this book. It is right up my alley!! Thanks for sharing the interview and for the opportunity to win this awesome book!

Eric

Sounds like something that will definitely help me in this increased time of stress I am in.

Tia Terchila

The brain is such a wonderful and complex piece of work. It seems as if the more attention and the more we get to understand it the more wonderfully complex it appears to be. Yoga really helps me to relieve stress. I am always looking for more ways to relieve stress from my life.

Carol

I would love to read this book! Need some help in calming my “monkey mind.”

http://www.facebook.com/people/Nicole-Garcia/594528442 Nicole Garcia

this sounds so interesting, would love to learn more about this.

http://www.facebook.com/mikedixson Mike Dixson

This sounds like it would give me more ammunition in my arsenal of
positivity I’m developing thru Buddhism and mindfulness.

kj a

“experience-dependent neuroplasticity,”

Wheee!! I knew there had to be such a thing! But of course, I’m not a neural scientist, so too many times, the idea got “pffffft”ed right out of conversation and consideration. 😀 I’m so happy people are talking about this, and pulling information together and creating management techniques around it.

Thank you, Tinny Buddha! Thank you, Rick Hanson!

CJ

I’m very interested in the human brain and how it relates to meditation. This book sounds awesome!

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1626635439 Brandi Craig

If I don’t win this book, I’m definitely going to buy it. I have been trying to work on my buddha brain and the approach of one thing at a time with a guide sounds really helpful.

Barker_b

Rick Hansen’s comment on figuring out how to get out of the hole we’re in really caught my attention–I get that feeling every now and then. The book really sounds inspiring.

CathyG

such a great time of year for something like this to come out….

Afi

this looks like an excellent book…will want to read it as i try surviving the stresses of graduate school!

Kmaslp

I love the connection to neurology and mindfulness. I will be picking up this book one wasy or another

Cricket

I have been drawn to the path of mindfulness for quite a while now, but have floundered in the more esoteric teachings. This book and philosophy seem like exactly what I’ve been looking for! Thank you for your efforts!

iheartrruby

Thank you for your work and dedication to showing the rest of us how to find peace.

Melanie

Love the connections now being made between neurology and meditation. Finally!

Lucia

Please enter me in this drawing, it sounds like a wonderful book

Row_xvi

Just now, I wanted to win the book however negative thoughts started going through my head. (ie. out of all the people that will post a comment why would you win, what would you even say, etc). But then I remembered to let go and be in the present. Whatever happens, it was good that I was able to read this article in tiny buddha, I was able to learn new insights to help me improve as a person and to let go of the constancy of negativity in my mind. I am happy I learned about this. Thank you lori and rick. Peace.

Scherrie

I so need this book. I need enlightenment on this subject. Thank you all for helping me with so much. Scherrie

Michael

Taking in the good has to be one of the best, practical tips I have read in a long time. I love Ricks ability to help us see the physicality behind what know on another level.

Dawn

Sounds interesting!

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1027447001 Jack Huynh

This is an interesting post It will definitely help me with my path in the future Thank you!

Rick’s work have been such a help to me, my wife & friends. Thanks for the competition! (tweeted as @badgerhunt)

Glady Dalton

I’m so grateful to my professor for introducing us to Rick Hanson, I’ve been just loving the JOT emails since then and I share them with my family and friends. I also enjoy talking about them with that same professor. They are easy to understand and in combination with my yoga, I’m lovin’ it! I plan on buying the book after the holiday season, but of course, winning it would be just as awesome!
Off to retweet! @gladyanne:twitter

I love the Just One Things emails I get… would love to have them in a book form!

Dan

Thanks for the article.

~Chelsea~

I need a buddha brain!

Sammy

All of Rick’s work is excellent! Looking forward to this book!

Chuck

This was so meaningful for me in my life right now, thank you for sharing.

Hope

Awwsum! I want this book!

Teresa

The book sounds amazing! I would love to win it!

Diana

I have now bought 4 copies of Just One Thing, always intending to keep a copy for myself. However, I’ve ended up giving them all away – it’s too good not to share! I’d love a copy for myself this time.
I enjoy the way you can flick through the book and choose a chapter that fits your need that day, your mood or perhaps you just feel like reading something thought-provoking. I love Rick’s accessible style, with its touch of the poetic.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001658786685 Nico Le

wonderful

Joysee77

Fascinating. By brain truly could use re-wiring!

Dee576

As a woman who has just been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder, this book would be the start I need to begin to recover, I would be most grateful for the insight this book would provide.

Adam Ertur

Dr. Hanson’s work seems like a very clever application of recent breakthroughs in neuroplasticity and an excellent step towards uniting modern findings with ancient teachings. Though meditation and awareness certainly “feel” as though they improve our mental capacities (subjective credibility), coming to understand the mechanics of how these activities directly influence the structure of the brain will allow fine-tuning of spiritual practices for particular neurological results.

Color me interested. Please sign me up for the giveaway.

nancy

I would love to learn more about this, thanks for the giveaway.

Anonymous

I love to start my day with Tiny Buddha.

Anonymous

Sounds like a great book.

Radhan0877

Buddha’s brain has definately opened up lots of latent thoughts which were otherwise occupying the brain and not allowing development .Thanks

Terdown

Sounds like a great book! I could sure use this right now as I am heading down a new journey of self discovery after unforeseen circumstances that are beyond my control.

sharon

This is an inspiring interview. I wish I owned more books on the subject to help me become a better person…

Julene

I love the idea of taking in the good. Thank you. I’m studying Sensorimotor psychotherapy which uses mindfulness.

http://twitter.com/felixcatus Fernanda Ferreira

I stumbled up with a way of life that brings a lot of stress with it. But I believe it all depends on how you manage it, and this book’s just appeared for me to learn it! Tiny Buddha has been helping me for two years. Thank You!

http://twitter.com/Barmama4kids Barbara Zornig Stolk

This also sounds like a book that could help through very difficult times at the moment….

Caro

Interesting interview! I’d love to read more about this.

Eileen

I am a therapist, and I think this will be very helpful for my clients as well as for myself. Thank you so much! Eileen

Yogi

This sounds fantastic! Have been feeling overwhelmed by negative thoughts. Hope to win!!

Anonymous

this sounds like a fantastic book! I’d love to learn more about mindfulness!

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1602004167 Jodi Masterson

This quote from above: Each small step matters. It was usually lots of small steps that
took a person to a bad place, and it will be lots of small steps that
take him or her to a better one. WOW!! So true…and yet sometimes challenging to remember. We walk ourselves into a space and hope in an instant for it to change. Surrender to the steps. Love this!!

Richmond

Buddha’s Brain is an excellent book as I’m sure this is. The approach is fundamentally effective as part of a treatment programme for chronic pain but also as a way of being.

http://twitter.com/jesskstark Jessica Stark

I would love to read this book. I have enjoyed your blog and newsletter and it looks liek this book will have a lot of great content.

Hannah Faigen

I’m slowly learning the right view and right intention. boy is it hard…

Catherine

Sounds like a good guide. Would love to read it.

Martha Maria

Reading Rick’s blog in the last year has been life changing for me. The practices he suggest can help us grow and learn more about ourselves in order to better our quality of life. I can only imagine that his new book is as inspiring as other things he’s written.

http://www.wellnessworksinschools.com Christen

I love the idea of “taking in the good” as a habit and a personal practice. We could all wear rose colored glasses more often!

Matusic

As I work toward a Buddha brain I best remember: Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind.

Nick

Yeaaaah – I could really use this – I think it could help! Would love to read…

cmcgale

So excited to pick up this book! Thanks Tiny Buddha for sharing! : )

http://profiles.google.com/steph.michelle.diaz Steph Diaz

i subscribed to rick hanson’s emails a while back ago and i look forward to the days he get an email from him!

Suzglass

Years ago, I used my brain to quit smoking, and did so with any latent cravings. I was married to an acloholic, divorced, and buried him a year ago. To get through I turned off my emotions and now have few relationships. I fear being myself for jeopardizing those. I need to rewire my brain, because all I see is loss.

Christine

Can people still buddha their brains if they work 70-80 hours a week? I’m curious to read the book.

CC

This is now the next book on my ‘must read’ list. I love the mix of science and philosophy. The brain is so interesting!!! Thanks for posting the interview!

http://about.me/dianaantholis Diana Antholis

So fascinating. And I love how by simply breathing, we can reduce our worries almost instantly. Would love this book!

Gevurah

It sounds very interesting! I am new to the subject but I have already attended a mindfulness workshop – wonderful feeling!

Alyssa

This book seems like it would be a truly great gift for anyone!

Natalie M Joffe

I <3 Tiny Buddha!

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1048189372 Katie Rubin

comment to win!

Kenetha

I really loved his last book, and I am delighted to find out that he has a new one. Thanks so much for featuring this!

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=500723136 joel rudnick

I used Hanson’s “Buddha’s Brain” as one of my sources for a paper on the neurological benefits of meditation for a neuroscience class.

Adriana

Looking forward to reading it!

Britton

Sounds like this is a great tool for relieving anxiety! I’m going to request that this book be ordered for my public library.

Lmnj

Thank you so much for sharing. More often than not your words of wisdom come at the very moment I am needing them.
Thank you

Patrick Taggart

I’ve gleaned so much from the interview. How much more might I get from the book itself? Sounds very helpful.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1360532535 Kate West

I love Tiny Buddha and read it daily

Nkcashen

Can’t wait to read this book!

http://twitter.com/OnlyNow Angel Tatum Craddock

The more folks that can learn mindfulness techniques, the better. Every offering brings new folks in. Great!

Rich

Looks like a good book and helpful practice.

Rebecca

Looks like a great book!

http://twitter.com/kate0322 Kate

I love reading Tiny Buddha. There is always something good there.

Lynngalpeace

Love Buddha Brain!!!

Yves

Sounds like something you can make time for no matter how busy. Would love to read it!

Klb1203

Would love to win this =)

Doralee Donaldson

Sounds like a very interesting book.
I love Tiny Buddha!
(I don’t have a twitter account)

Kkarl

I think I’ll buy this as a few people’s christmas present this year!!!

SnapOutOfIt

I instinctively knew (as long as I can remember) that the brain has an evolutionary reason for remembering “bad” things. While I see it’s influence in my childhood, I had not noticed it’s influence as much as an adult and for me, well, that was a bit disastrous. I’ve read happy people remember more of the good things that happen to them. I would forgive and forget. I’ve since learned to forgive and remember.

Paula J.

would love to read this!

http://twitter.com/4the2ndhalf Lori

So important this time of year!

Dieter Georg

Many of the concepts – especially regarding ones brain and challenges in overcoming “learned dispositions” – are to me, common sense and good human behaviors. I am glad to see more learned scholars capturing and sharing same in books and lectures so that more and more people can read and discover this, and hopefully adopt in their everyday life. Keep up the good and mankind-benefitting work.
Dieter Georg

katie

Thank u for sharing! Look forward to nyour posts every day!

Sam

Developing a Buddha brain will be my New Year’s resolution this year. No matter what happens, I’m basically okay. That’s my new definition of happiness. (I’ve been known to say to others who seem to be overreacting or worried, “No one will die.” This is true, most of the time.) I will now go subscribe to Rick Hanson’s emails. Thanks!

Andrea Turtle

This post was an epiphany for me – I’ve been wondering the past few years what happened to me, used to be such a positive, open person, and now have become a negative, unhappy, cynical person. I didn’t realize that every negative thought was burning a path into my brain, now wonder my brain is in a rut! Thank you so much for the post, I am very excited to practice this new knowledge – I actually did a guided meditation today!

Anne Gregson

Thank you Rick Hanson for throwing science behind transformation that can change a
reader, the folks the reader interacts with, and on and on; the ripple effect. For the skeptic in all of us, thank you for presenting something that will make the world a happier place.

Emilysl

wow! I would really love to develop a Buddha brain!

Chell

Would definitely enjoy this read

http://www.facebook.com/alison.edelstein Alison Edelstein

This book sounds amazing!!

LisaMac

Definitely need help with mindfulness!

http://www.rebuildyourlifecoach.com Harriet Cabelly

Love the Velcro and Teflon visuals of positives and negatives. I actually subscribe to his newsletter.
Thanks for this insightful interview.

Ginger

tinybuddha has such insightful wisdom that is needed when I need it most. I am most appreciative of the shared efforts from this site.

http://www.facebook.com/jkbtulsa Janet Bailey West

This is awesome. I would love to win.

Kimmim123

Thank you for sharing! Sounds great and would love the book!

Laurieann Noel

I would love to read and practice this – Thank You!

http://gardengirl-lintys.blogspot.com/ ssgardengirl

I would love to read Rick Hanson’s book! I subscribe to his JOT emails, and always enjoy them.

Lee C

Sounds like just the book I need. thanks for the giveaway

Kathy

My last year has been unbelievably stressful and as hard as I can, I can’t break the negative energy. Would love to read this book.

Katherine

Sounds great!

http://www.somewhereincanada.com Shannon

Sounds like a great book!

http://twitter.com/ankurkush Ankur Kushwaha

awesome…n …inspiring!!!!!!!!!!!!

Michael R.

Sounds promising! Thanks for promoting the book to your readers!

Prairigrl

It sounds like a good read!

Sharon

I would really like to own this/these books…

Donna_may

from will practice to practicing. everything starts in the very moment you choose. smile!

Forstermatthew

Take a look at the Mind and Life Institute formed from the Dalai Lama and western neuroscience professionals. Fascinating wisdom.

http://www.shawnellis.com/ Shawn Ellis

Thanks for this interview, Lori. “Buddha’s Brain” is one of my favorite books. Having an understanding of the brain’s negativity bias is so important — so then we can understand the importance of being intentional about “taking in the good.” That’s a point of emphasis in Rick’s new book, “Hardwiring Happiness,” as you likely know. I had the privilege of interviewing Rick about that book last week, if you’d like to listen: http://bit.ly/1bbUOii. (We have some books to give away there, too!! As of today, at least.)

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